Creamy Harissa Dressing – Platings + Pairings

This naturally dairy-free and gluten-free Harissa Dressing is addictively delicious! Tahini, harissa paste, lemon, and maple syrup are whisked until smooth, leaving you with a bold and tangy sauce to drizzle over everything, from bowls, to salads, meat & more!

This 5-ingredient Creamy Harissa Sauce dances on your taste buds! Made with fiery harissa paste, nutty and smooth tahini, and tangy lemon juice, just a drizzle instantly upgrades a wide range of meals.

I’ll always reach for the jar of harissa when I need to liven up a dish, like hummus or any of these 40+ Harissa Recipes. Its bold flavors are hard to resist! But in this recipe, it’s the star of the show, adding a nice kick to this creamy sauce you can drizzle over a salad, enjoy as a dipping sauce, or spread on a burger.

Looking for more homemade sauces with a kick? You’ll love Peruvian Yellow Sauce, Bang Bang Sauce, and Jamaican Jerk Sauce.

Ingredients 

• Tahini – The base of the sauce is made from this Middle Eastern ground sesame paste. Use a good-quality tahini with a runny consistency and a rich, nutty flavor for the best results.
• Lemon juice – A good amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a nice brightness that balances the bold harissa and rich tahini.
• Maple syrup – I naturally sweetened the sauce with maple syrup, but you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute if you’d like.
• Garlic cloves
• Harissa paste – Harissa is a rich and smoky chili paste from North Africa. It’s usually made from roasted red peppers, hot chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and a mix of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. It adds depth and complexity wherever it’s added, from stews to salad dressings and more.
• Water 
• Salt 

How to make harissa dressing

Start by whisking the tahini, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Add the garlic, harissa paste, water, and salt, and whisk again until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add water to adjust the thickness, if needed.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Pour the sauce into a serving dish and enjoy!

Tips and tricks

• Is your creamy harissa sauce too thick? Stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches a smooth and pourable consistency. 
• Sweet maple syrup and tart lemon juice are key to balancing the bold flavors in the sauce. However, if it’s too tangy, add more maple syrup or honey. If it’s too sweet, increase the lemon juice or add a touch more harissa.

Ways to use harissa sauce

• Dressing – Drizzle the creamy harissa sauce over simple green salads for an instant flavor boost, or use it to spice up this Chicken Cobb Salad, Buddha bowls, and other grain and rice bowl recipes.
• Dip – Serve the creamy harissa dip at parties alongside raw veggies, pita chips, or pita bread for dipping. Or, try pairing it with falafel, lamb kebabs, or hasselback potatoes for a flavorful snack or appetizer.
• Marinade – Marinate chicken, lamb, or tofu in the sauce for at least 1 hour before grilling. The harissa and lemon juice will tenderize your proteins while infusing them with creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors. 
• Garnish – For a beautiful finishing touch and burst of flavor, drizzle the sauce over your grilled meats or vegetables right before serving.
• Eggs – Eggs and harissa are a match made in heaven! Just like hot sauce, you can use the sauce as a punchy topping for scrambled eggs, poached eggs, or even a breakfast burrito.

FAQs 

Where can I buy harissa paste?

You can buy harissa paste in the international or spice sections of well-stocked grocery stores, at Middle Eastern grocery stores, or online. It’s often sold in jars or tubes, making it easy to store and use as needed.

Is harissa spicy?

The spice level depends on the brand of harissa paste, the specific blend of chili peppers it’s made with, and your tolerance to heat. If spicy food isn’t your thing, start by adding ½ tablespoon and gradually add more to taste.

Storing

This creamy harissa sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir before serving, as it will thicken as it chills.

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​​​​Did you make this harissa dressing recipe?

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